Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 133224 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133224 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 666(@200wpm)___ 533(@250wpm)___ 444(@300wpm)
“Sure you are.”
Blake
I read through the file and glance back up at the small boy sitting in the hospital bed. “You are getting stronger every day.”
He frowns. “Where does it say that?”
I take the file to him and point to a line. “Right here, see?” He’s only four, and I know he can’t read yet. “Callum Rogers is getting better every day and is a fantastic patient. We’re very impressed with how he helps the nurses and takes his medicine.” I pretend to read the words out loud as I throw a wink to his mother. I run my finger along the line as if I am reading some more. “It also says here that you are brave, an excellent listener, and deserve two desserts today.”
“It says that?” Callum bites his lip, trying to hide his goofy smile.
“It does.” I nod. “You are doing so well, Callum; we are all very proud of you.”
Mom smiles and rubs his arm. “Great job, baby.”
Callum has tetanus from a scratch he got a few weeks ago. It was touch and go for a while, and he’s been in the hospital for a few weeks, but thankfully he’s now on the mend.
From my peripheral vision, I catch sight of someone standing just outside the door waiting for me. “I’ll be back later this afternoon,” I tell Callum and his mother. “Hopefully it will be home time soon.” I close the file and put it back on the shelf. I make my way out into the corridor to see a woman standing there.
“Dr. Grayson?”
“Yes.”
She puts her hand out to shake mine. “I’m Sam Holland.”
“Oh.” My eyes widen. Shit, I thought she was a man. “Dr. Holland, nice to finally put a face to the name.”
Dr. Holland is the head of the pediatrics board and is revered among her colleagues. How didn’t I know she was a woman? . . . An attractive one too.
“Yes, you too.” She smiles. “I’ve been wanting to catch up with you before I return to New York.”
“You have?”
“Yes, it seems you’re hard to catch.”
“Well, between here and my practice, I’m run off my feet twenty-four seven.” I smile. “My apologies.”
“That’s why I’m here. I have an offer for you.”
“You do?”
“Can we . . .” She looks around guiltily. “Talk somewhere in private?”
“Sure.” I gesture down the corridor. “Come into my office.” She follows me down the hall. We walk into my office, and I close the door behind us. “Take a seat. How can I help you?”
“I think we both know why I’m here,” she says as she takes a seat.
“You’ve lost me.”
“I’d like to offer you a position.”
I frown. “What kind of position?”
“I want you to be the new medical director of Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York.”
I blink. What?
“Your reputation precedes you, Dr. Grayson.”
“I . . .” I shrug with a smile. “Dr. Holland, I’m honored, but I don’t believe I’m qualified for the position.”
“That’s not true.”
“To lead an entire children’s hospital?” I frown.
“I want you to streamline and implement your clinical policies and procedures. We need a leader who excels in patient care. Yes, it’s true we have more-qualified applicants on paper, but it’s your bedside manner with patients and parents alike and your desire to buck current trends in care that sets you apart. You’ve been nominated by the heads of your department, and it’s not just them that think this is the role for you. Many do. I’ve had several recommendations.”
I open my mouth to reply, and she cuts me off. “Just think about it.” She passes me her card. “Albert Costantino is retiring, and we want fresh, new blood from a doctor who’s hungry to deliver the best possible care.”
“I’m flattered.” I smile. “Although I must decline. I couldn’t possibly leave my practice here. I’ve worked way too hard to walk away from it now.”
“Disappointing. This would be a life-changing role for your career.” She shrugs with a smile. “I do understand, though.” She shakes my hand. “Call me if anything changes.” Her hand holds mine for a beat longer as her eyes hold mine. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
“You too.”
Hmm . . .
With one last look, she gets up and leaves my office and closes the door behind her. I stare at it for a beat.
Did that just happen?
I make my way to my car with a spring in my step. Although I have no intention of taking it, the offer is a huge ego boost. I work so hard to build strong relationships with my patients and their parents, so to have it acknowledged like that feels like I’ve won the lottery.
I smile as I pull out of the parking lot. Who am I kidding? I’ve already won the lottery. The most beautiful woman in the world is in love with me.